Defence Colony RWA Faces Rs 40 Lakh Fine for Unauthorized Monument Use

The Resident Welfare Association (RWA) of Defence Colony is collecting Rs 1,000 from each household to pay a Rs 40 lakh penalty imposed by the Supreme Court for unauthorized occupation of a historical monument. Plans to vacate the site and compensate the archaeology department are underway.

The Resident Welfare Association of Defence Colony is rallying residents to gather Rs 1,000 from each household. This effort aims to raise the Rs 40 lakh penalty imposed by the Supreme Court for the unauthorized use of the 15th-century Gumti of Shaikh Ali as an office.

The decision followed a judicial directive mandating the payment to Delhi's archaeology department for conservation and restoration work. Ranjit Singh, RWA president mentioned contributions are pouring in from over 800 families and some are donating larger amounts to meet the target. He also confirmed the handover of the historical site to authorities.

The matter will see its next court hearing on April 8 as Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah refused to reduce the penalty. The apex court criticized the Archaeological Survey of India for negligence in protecting the monument.

(With inputs from agencies.)